Care farming – A sustainable approach to multifunctionality in agriculture
Paul Custance , Gaynor Orton and Keith Walley
Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire
Abstract
This paper outlines the case for viewing agriculture as offering a...
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Care farming – A sustainable approach to multifunctionality in agriculture
Paul Custance , Gaynor Orton and Keith Walley
Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire
Abstract
This paper outlines the case for viewing agriculture as offering a multifunctional range of
outputs including crop and animal production, environmental and recreational benefits and
health services.
Nature and a rural environment have been found to contribute to a wide
range of positive health benefits.
Care farming, which utilises the therapeutic aspects of
agriculture has been steadily developing in the United Kingdom following its success in
several European countries.
It is supported by the National Care Farming Initiative (NCFI).
A case study of Magdalen, a care farm situated on the Dorset and Somerset borders,
illustrates the multifunctional nature of farming by demonstrating its contribution to a broad
range of services, including health and well-being.
Keywords
Multifunctionality, care farming
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